Murder suspect claims he won't threaten witnesses despite owning an AK-47

A man accused of killing his cousin, Zibuse Mlaba, an ANC veteran who was a chief in KwaXimba in Camperdown, has told the Camperdown Magistrate's Court that he has no intention of threatening State witnesses despite owning rifles, including an AK-47.

Duncan Mzamo Mlaba, 63, is currently applying for bail. He is charged with paying R130,000 for a hit on Zibuse, who was a member of the KZN legislature.

The State alleges that after Zibuse was shot dead in October 2021 at Wareing’s Shopping Centre in Cato Ridge, Mzamo bought the guns used in the killing for R10,000 each from his hitmen. These weapons have not been recovered.

On Monday, Mzamo testified that he knows one State witness, who is currently incarcerated.

He stated that if he were aware of other witnesses, he would not interfere with them.

“I will not interfere with the investigation of this matter should I get bail,” he affirmed, adding his willingness to comply with all bail conditions set by the court.

He expressed a desire to return to work for his family and continue assisting the poor in his community, specifically by helping people in Cato Ridge find jobs at various firms.

“I am an active member of the community,” he asserted.

Last week, Mzamo told the court about incidents before his arrest where police allegedly attacked him at one of his homes.

He claimed members of the National Intervention Unit (NIU) “turned it upside down” in 2024, checking his four licensed guns, which included an AK-47 and another rifle. Mzamo also stated he has three boxes of ammunition stored in his home safe.

However, State prosecutor advocate Nokulunga Ngcobo challenged his claims, suggesting the individuals impersonating police officers were not law enforcement. When asked if they showed him appointment cards, he replied no.

When asked how he knew it was the police, Mzamo said they were wearing police uniforms. 

“Considering the numerous times you were attacked. If you were to be released on bail, your safety would be compromised,” Ngcobo told Mzamo.

Mzamo replied by saying: “Am I safe since I am in prison?” 

Ngcobo reminded him she was the one asking questions.

Mzamo stated that he has multiple properties and would relocate if he were attacked at one of them. He informed the court he owns three houses, one valued over R2 million, and more than six cars, including a Ford Mustang worth approximately R1.2 million.

In a separate matter, Mzamo is also charged with the murder of his alleged hitman, Mncedisi Gwala.

According to the State, Mzamo sent Gwala and others to kill Zibuse. Upon realising police had collected DNA at Zibuse's murder scene, Mzamo allegedly decided to kill Gwala in February 2022.

Mzamo is expected to apply for bail for Gwala's murder at the Mlazi Magistrate's Court.

nomonde.zondi@inl.co.za